The Vineyard

The 9 hectare Flaxmore Vineyard is superbly positioned on the eastern edge of the Moutere Valley, 6 km from the coast and 60 metres above sea level. The north facing slopes include 2 distinct spurs and offer the attraction of clay gravels with free drainage.

Planted in 2008 with a selection of premium clones on three different rootstocks to suit specific block characteristics, vine density averages 2,900 per hectare. The layout was configured as 6 distinct blocks; designed to work with the contours and avoid land disturbance by shaping or terracing.

The viticultural regime is 2 cane vertical shoot positioning, minimal irrigation, low yields for fruit intensity via extensive shoot and bunch thinning; and handpicking. Airflow through the canopy is helped by the elevated site and further assisted by careful leaf plucking around the fruit zone, without excessive exposure to direct sunlight.